10 Top Spring Break Ideas for Families Visiting Florida
10 Top Spring Break Ideas for Families Visiting Florida
Spring break in Orlando might seem like the obvious choice, but after seven years of exploring Florida with my family, I've discovered there's so much more, including things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.
As a parent who's navigated everything from manatee encounters to water park adventures, I've learned that Florida spring break success comes down to smart planning.
In this guide, I'll share my firsthand experiences at Florida's top family destinations and spring break ideas for families on a budget. Whether you're planning your first Florida spring break or looking for fresh ideas, I'll guide you through 10 destinations that prove family vacations can be both entertaining and enriching.
Spring Break Ideas for Families Visiting Florida
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Orlando's Resort Havens
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Cocoa Beach Adventures
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Florida Ranch Experience
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Explore the Tampa Bay Area
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Dive into the Florida Keys
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Discover Miami's Family Scene
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Sit by the Shore at Sarasota & Siesta Key
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Spot Wildlife at Florida Springs
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Step Back in Time in St. Augustine
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Find Fun in Fort Lauderdale
Tips for Planning Your Family Spring Break in Florida
Planning a family spring break in Florida is all about balancing fun, relaxation and practicality to make the most of our time together.
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Accommodations: First, I always book our accommodations early. Spring break is one of the busiest times of the year, and the best family-friendly resorts and hotels fill up fast. If we’re planning to visit Central Florida’s theme parks, I look for places that offer shuttle services for getting around Orlando. I also check for resort amenities like pools, kid-friendly activities and onsite dining to make downtime just as enjoyable as our outings.
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Forecast: Weather in Florida can be unpredictable in spring, so I pack layers, sunscreen and ponchos. You never know when sunny mornings can turn into rainy afternoons in a flash. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if we’re exploring parks, zoos or boardwalks. Check out this ultimate guide to packing for spring break, so you won’t forget any of the essentials.
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Budget & Flexibility: To save money, I buy attraction tickets in advance, take advantage of discount bundles and mix in free activities like beach days, nature trails and local festivals. We always plan a mix of action-packed adventures and low-key days to avoid burnout, especially with little ones. I've noticed my kids actually remember more from their vacation when we're not rushing from place to place. Having a plan is great, but leaving room for spontaneous fun and unexpected discoveries is what makes a family trip truly memorable!
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Food: Dining is another big consideration, so I make restaurant reservations whenever possible to avoid long waits at popular spots. I also keep snacks and refillable water bottles handy to keep everyone fueled and hydrated.
If we're road-tripping around the state, I plan for plenty of breaks and research scenic stops to make the drive more enjoyable.
Now, let’s break down the top spring break destinations to check out in Florida!
Florida Spring Break Destination Ideas
1 | Orlando's Resort Havens | After years of Orlando visits, I've finally found my sweet spot at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa. Last spring break, my kids couldn't get enough of Treasure Cove Water Park's 30-foot slides, while I discovered my own paradise at Serenity Spa. The seven heated pools mean we never dealt with crowds, which is a game-changer during peak season.
Over at Westgate Vacation Villas & Town Center, Shipwreck Island Water Park became our go-to spot. My teenagers loved the massive pirate ship with its surprise dump buckets, while my youngest splashed in the zero-entry pool.
What impressed me most about the resort? The full kitchen in our villa that saved us from constant restaurant bills at the parks and around Orlando. I also found that the onsite Marketplace was perfect for quick breakfast supplies and late-night snacks.
There were even restaurants on property that cooked up delicious food, allowing my family the convenience to not have to leave the resort!
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2 | Cocoa Beach Adventures | Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort surprised me with its perfect balance of family fun and adult relaxation. While my kids tackled the Wakulla Water Play Experience, I found peaceful moments in the Makua Lanai Adult Zone, a rare luxury during spring break.
The Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier became our daily ritual. We'd start with morning surf lessons, then grab lunch at the pier's restaurants.
I particularly loved watching rocket launches from the pier while sipping cocktails – a true Florida experience.
3 | Florida Ranch Experience | I never expected to find myself glamping in Florida, but Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo changed my perspective completely. During our weekend stay, my city kids transformed into junior cowboys.
The luxury glamping tent exceeded my expectations. Think real beds and air conditioning, plus a private deck where I enjoyed my morning coffee watching the sunrise over the prairie.
Saturday night's rodeo became an instant family highlight. My kids still talk about watching bull riding up close, while I appreciated the VIP seating that came with our glamping package. During the day, we tried everything from an airboat ride to horseback riding.
The petting farm was perfect for my youngest, who also loved the Cowboy Adventure Park and its range of activities, including a mountain climbing wall, mechanical bull, jump pad and more!
4 | Explore the Tampa Bay Area | The Florida Aquarium surprised us with its scale. My marine biology-obsessed daughter spent hours at the touch tanks, while I discovered the adults-only "Sips Under the Sea" evening event. It was perfect timing as my husband arrived for the weekend.
What really sets Tampa apart is its walkable riverwalk district. During our latest visit, we discovered new water play fountains, where kids cool off as parents enjoy riverside cafes. The Heights Public Market became our favorite lunch spot.
I loved watching my kids try different food stalls while I sipped local craft beer. And don't miss the Tampa Theatre's family movies. This 1926 movie palace with twinkling "stars" on the ceiling amazed us.
5 | Dive into the Florida Keys | Our Keys adventure started in Marathon and worked its way south. I watched my kids transform into marine biologists at the Turtle Hospital, where they even helped feed injured sea turtles. Later, we snorkeled at Sombrero Reef, where our guide pointed out species I'd only seen in documentaries.
The real surprise came from our sunset sail in Key West. While the kids spotted dolphins, I enjoyed champagne and fresh stone crab. My stay was a perfect example of how the Keys balance family fun with adult pleasures.
And don’t forget to visit Dry Tortuga National Park if you can make it. It’s only accessible by boat or seaplane, and it’s absolutely beautiful!
You can snorkel and tour the fort, which the kiddos will love. The Yankee Freedom offers daily excursions to the park, which is about two and a half hours each way from Key West.
6 | Discover Miami's Family Scene | I used to think Miami was just for the South Beach crowd until I discovered its family side.
The Frost Museum of Science became our unexpected favorite. My kids were mesmerized by the three-story aquarium, and I appreciated the adult lectures in the planetarium. I found that morning visits avoid both the crowds and afternoon heat.
What really surprised me about Miami was Little Havana. My picky eaters actually tried empanadas during our food tour, and I discovered amazing coffee spots. After the kids' bedtime, my husband and I snuck down to the hotel's rooftop bar, proving Miami really does work for the whole family.
7 | Sit by the Shore at Sarasota & Siesta Key | The moment my feet touched Siesta Key's powdery soft sand, I understood why it's rated America's best beach. While my kids hunted for shells, I took a morning yoga class right on the beach. The shallow water meant I could relax while watching them play, something I rarely get to do on vacation.
The Mote Marine Laboratory turned into an unexpected highlight. My children were fascinated by the shark tanks, but I was impressed by the sea turtle rehabilitation center.
Evening trips to St. Armands Circle, an outdoor shopping and eating district, became our family tradition for dinner, with ice cream at Kilwins sealing the deal.
Beyond the beach, I discovered Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, where my kids actually enjoyed learning about plants in the children's rainforest garden.
Meanwhile, the new Sarasota Art Museum offers family programs on weekends. We really enjoyed the interactive installations during our visit.
8 | Spot Wildlife at Florida Springs | After years of theme parks, exploring Florida's springs became our new passion. I quickly realized that Blue Spring State Park, located about an hour from Orlando, is one of the best spring break ideas for nature lovers.
At Blue Spring, we spotted more manatees than I could count. Keep in my mind that you’ll mostly see manatees during the cooler months, November to March. The crystal-clear water made my hesitant swimmer comfortable enough to try snorkeling for the first time.
Springs closer to Orlando include Wekiwa Springs State Park and Kelly Park – Rock Springs. These two spots are also beautiful and relaxing.
The best part about visiting Florida’s natura spring waters? These adventures cost a fraction of what tourist attractions like Disney and Universal cost. You’ll only have to pay for kayak or canoe rentals, plus a $10 or less entrance fee to each park.
9 | Step Back in Time in St. Augustine | Walking through America's oldest city, I felt like I discovered a hidden gem for families. The Castillo de San Marcos brought history alive better than any textbook.
My kids actually begged to stay longer at the fort! I found myself equally fascinated by the colonial architecture and secret courtyards I'd never noticed in photos.
Later, during our ghost tour in the city (surprisingly family-friendly), our guide shared stories that kept even my teenager engaged.
One of the highlights of the trip had to be discovering a quiet beach, just minutes away from the historic district, where we could unwind after sightseeing. I also loved sipping Spanish wine at the San Sebastian Winery while watching the sunset from its rooftop.
10 | Find Fun in Fort Lauderdale | I always skipped Fort Lauderdale, thinking it was just another beach town, but I was sadly mistaken.
At the Museum of Discovery and Science, I watched my science-loving daughter light up at the otter exhibits. Meanwhile, Las Olas Boulevard offered the perfect mix of ice cream shops for the kids and sophisticated boutiques and dining for me.
Then, there was Flamingo Gardens, a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary with over 3,000 species of plants and trees. It was a beautiful day full of greenery, animals and special family time.
And don’t forget Fort Lauderdale Beach, where you and the family can play in the sun, sand and surf.
The highlight of our visit to the city was our sunset catamaran cruise, where we spotted sea turtles while enjoying appetizers and drinks.
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It’s Time to Start Planning Your Florida Spring Break
While theme parks still draw crowds, I've discovered these alternative destinations create deeper connections and better moments to reflect back on. What started as simple beach trips has evolved into adventures that shaped my children's interests.
My daughter's marine biology passion sparked at the turtle hospital now influences her college plans. My son's beginner surf lessons in Cocoa Beach led to a hobby he still practices today. Even my youngest, initially scared of horses, now wants to return to Westgate River Ranch and ride horses.
These destinations prove that Florida offers more than just beaches and rides. Whether you're learning colonial history in St. Augustine or sharing sunset views from the Cocoa Beach pier, you're creating memories that last far longer than any theme park souvenir.
As each spring break comes and goes year after year, I'm excited to discover what new adventures await. I hope your family finds a spring break destination in Florida that you all love.
For more travel guides around Florida, visit the Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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